There are a variety of treatment options to replace one or more missing teeth. Popular among them include traditional bridges and dentures. However, these treatments are not suitable for everyone. Depending on the structure of your mouth, the areas missing teeth, and other dental reasons, bridges, and dentures may cause discomfort, soreness, and infections if not well cared for.
You may require a more proficient and suitable option for replacing your missing teeth, and our dental implants in Elkin, NC, are the top choice for teeth restorations. Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants do not disturb your remaining teeth, and they also help protect your jawbone.
At Mani Dental Family Practice, our dentist in Elkin, NC, Dr. Nicole Manigault, DDS offers dental implants as our top choice for replacing teeth. In the guide, she will explain why dental implants are topping our restorative treatment options and how you can benefit from them for the perfect smile makeover.
Why Dental Implants are Becoming a Popular Teeth Restoration Choice?
Implants are great and effective alternatives to dentures or dental bridges. While our dentist in Elkin uses bridges and dentures for certain cases of missing teeth, dental implants are healthier options when you’re missing the root of your tooth.
Below are five reasons why we believe dental implants are a great choice for replacing your missing teeth in Elkin, NC:
Implants are Sturdier and Durable
Your jawbone and the dental implant fuse once Dr. Manigault inserts the metal post. This procedure creates a strong foundation for your new prosthetic tooth, or crown, just like the roots for real teeth.
Implants Have a Natural Look and Feel
You won’t be able to distinguish your implanted tooth from your natural one once you have implants. They also enhance your chewing ability and allow you to brush and floss regularly without discomfort.
Bone Loss can be Avoided by Implants
Your jawbone starts to degenerate where there is no tooth. If an implant is not placed to replace the missing tooth, it may lose up to 25% of its volume in a year. Dental implants promote bone preservation since they replace both the tooth and the root.
Implants Do Not Impact Other Teeth
To fill the space left by the lost tooth, regular bridges need to be affixed to teeth on both sides. Unlike bridges, which require us to prepare or grind down surrounding teeth to anchor your replacements, implants don’t require this.
The metal post is inserted into the jawbone of the missing tooth, and an abutment and artificial tooth are placed to replace the missing tooth. This stand-alone tooth does not impact the surrounding teeth and allows easy functionalities.
Implants Have a Lifetime Usage
Dental implants are permanent, in contrast to dentures or bridgework. Your implants may last a lifetime if you practice good dental hygiene.
Types of Dental Implants
There are primarily two types of dental implants: titanium dental implants and zirconia dental implants. However, based on their functions and the number of teeth replaced, there are other options for more specialized needs: mini dental implants and all-on-4 implants.
Each type is discussed below:
Titanium Dental implant
Titanium or metal dental implants are the most popular type of implant. They are the most versatile solution for tooth replacement and have a long track record of success. Due to their metal components and substructures, titanium implants are suitable for the restoration of various challenging cases.
Zirconia Dental Implants
Zirconia dental implants are a recent introduction to restorative dentistry and have been approved by the FDA for use in the US. They are made from ceramic materials, giving them a tooth-colored appearance. Zirconia implants are suitable for individuals with receding gum and those who require single-tooth restorations.
Mini Dental Implant
Mini dental implants are similar in structure to regular implants but smaller in size. They consist of a one-piece screw, which is lower than 3mm in diameter, and a ball-shaped tip that emanates out of the jawbone.
All-on-4
An All-on-4 implant allows full dental restoration using only four to six dental implants. We use All-on-4 for patients who are missing all of their teeth, either on the lower arch, upper arch, or on both arches. With All-on-4 implants, you easily get an entirely new set of healthy implants that look, feel, and function like your regular teeth.
Choosing the Best Implant for You in Elkin, NC
If you’re missing one or more teeth, the quality of your smile and life can be affected. Since our smile is one of the first noticeable things about our appearance, restoring the gap caused by a missing tooth is essential. With our dental implant treatments in Elkin, NC, we can help you restore your smile in just a few simple steps. Our dental team in Elkin, NC, will choose the best implant for you based on your condition and provide personalized treatment throughout the entire process. Schedule an appointment with us to get a full and healthy smile.